Multnomah Co. Online Voters' Guide
November 2006 General Election

Metro

Measure No. 26-80

Referred To The People by the Metro Council.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

With passage of the Bond Measure, voters would direct Metro to protect natural areas and lands near rivers and streams throughout the Metro area, safeguarding the quality of our water while managing the impacts of growth and maintaining the Metro area's quality of life for future generations. The $227.4 million general obligation bond measure would provide:

• $168.4 million for Metro to purchase, in 27 specifically identified target areas, regionally significant river and stream corridors, headwaters, wildlife areas, other natural areas and trail corridors to hold in public trust for their protection, enhancement and restoration of habitat for fish, wildlife and water quality. The target areas emphasize protection of natural area lands now in urban areas or in areas where development is likely to occur. Other target areas are designated to protect water quality inside the urban area. Target areas include: the Tualatin River and tributaries in the Stafford , Sherwood and Forest Grove areas; the Rock Creek watershed near Bethany in Washington County ; the Clackamas River and tributaries near Damascus ; headwaters and buttes such as Scouter Mountain , and Johnson Creek and tributaries in Multnomah and Clackamas County .

• $44 million to be provided to 28 cities, counties and local park providers in the Metro area, on a per capita basis for: purchase of specifically identified natural areas, wildlife and trail corridors; for restoration and enhancement of water quality, fish and wildlife habitat; and for identified neighborhood parks and capital improvement projects providing public access use and education. Identified projects include: acquisition of lands along Erickson Creek and restoration of lands along Beaverton Creek in Beaverton; greenway acquisition along Orenco, Dawson, Bronson and Rock Creeks in Hillsboro; acquisition along Johnson Creek in the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District, acquisition of natural area adjacent to Forest Park, in the Tryon Creek watershed, and along Johnson Creek and the Columbia Slough in Portland; and central Beaverton park and natural area acquisition and restoration in the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District.

• $15 million for a Nature in Neighborhoods Capital Grants Program for schools, local neighborhood associations, community groups and other non-profits, cities, counties and public parks providers to provide funds to increase natural features and their ecological functions on public lands in neighborhoods, and to help ensure that every community enjoys clean water and nature as an element of its character and livability. Grants will be awarded competitively, and should be matched by the applicant with outside funding or in-kind services equivalent to twice the grant amount; and

• Establishes a citizen oversight committee and requires a yearly independent financial audit to be published in the local newspapers.

In the first year following its passage, the 2006 Natural Areas Bond Measure would likely cost property owners 19 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. For the average homeowner, the total annual cost is likely to be $30-35 per year. That annual cost will likely decrease during the repayment period of the bonds, which will be no more than 20 years.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

There are a lot of worthy measures on the ballot. 

Here is why this one is different.

We live in a special place, with a connection to nature that other places have lost – if they ever had it at all. Our natural areas, rivers and streams are right here, helping define a quality of life that we treasure as a heritage.

But that heritage is not guaranteed. We are growing fast, and that growth poses great challenges to the things we love about our part of Oregon.

Protecting our water, our land, and our way of life is a choice that we must make. The Natural Areas Parks and Streams Bond stands alone as a chance to protect the very place we live. And it is a smart, affordable and accountable way to do it.

Here is what Measure 26-80 will do:

• Preserve natural areas throughout the metropolitan area, concentrating on the areas most threatened by growth.

• Protect and restore rivers and streams to improve water quality.

• Protect natural areas and habitat for fish and wildlife

• Improve and complete neighborhood park and trail projects.

And Measure 26-80 creates a very high standard of accountability:

• The money can only be spent according to a detailed plan that you can review before you vote: visit www.savenaturalareas.org to read it.

• A citizen advisory committee will oversee the program.

• Measure 26-80 funds are subject to annual audits, published in the newspaper.

And what will protecting all this cost?
Less that $3 per month for the average household.

This is an investment worth making.
And it is one that we would regret not making
years from now.

Yes on 26-80.
It's about where we live.
And who we are.

(This information furnished by Matthew Reed, Yes on 26-80, for Natural Areas Parks and Streams)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

INDEPENDENT CITIZEN COMMITTEE APPROVED
SCIENCE-BASED,
SPECIFIC AND ACCOUNTABLE PLAN
PROTECTING NATURAL AREAS, PARKS AND
STREAMS

We, the undersigned citizen members of the Blue Ribbon Committee, developed and reviewed the proposed Natural Areas, Parks and Streams Measure, including its scientific basis, proposed implementation plan, impact on taxpayers and accountability mechanisms. We voted unanimously to support Measure 26-80 and recommended that the Metro Council refer it to voters.

Specific, Science-Based Plan 

A team of biologists, ecologists and naturalists designed Measure 26-80 to protect the most ecologically sensitive lands in the region. Lands targeted for protection are the highest value natural areas for water quality, wildlife habitat and access to nature. These lands are under tremendous development pressure as we grow.

More Accountability 

Measure 26-80 sets a high standard for accountability and taxpayer protection. It requires annual audits to be published in the newspaper and available for public review, and establishes a citizen oversight committee. The measure also requires money to be spent according to a detailed plan that voters can read before the election at:

www.savenaturalareas.org.

The cost is between $2.50 and $2.92 per month for the average homeowner which will likely decrease during the repayment period of the bonds.

We urge your YES vote on Measure 26-80.

Fred Miller, Chair, Blue Ribbon Committee

Fred Bruning, President, CenterCal Properties

Richard Cantlin, Partner, Perkins Coie LLP

Debbie Craig, Community Volunteer

Carol Dillin, Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy, PGE

John Griffiths, Board of Directors, Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District

Mike Houck, Director, Urban Greenspaces Institute

Charles Jordan, Board Member, The Conservation Fund

Lynn Lehrback, Joint Council #37, Teamsters Union

Lori Luchak, President, Miles Fiberglass

Patricia McCaig, McCaig Communications and Opinion Research

Randolph L. Miller, Chairman, The Moore Co., Chairman, Portland Ambassadors

Don Morissette, President, Don Morissette Homes

Larry Sitz, President, Emerick Construction

Sara Vickerman, Senior Director, Biodiversity Partnerships, Defenders of Wildlife

Dilafruz Williams, Professor of education policy, Member, Portland School Board

(This information furnished by Fred Miller, Blue Ribbon Committee)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

IT'S ABOUT CLEAN WATER.
We depend on it.

Our families' health and the region's future depend on having a reliable supply of clean water. This measure will help maintain and improve water quality in the region's rivers and streams – many of which supply our drinking water.

Biologists, ecologists and naturalists identified target areas for protection that are the highest value natural areas for water quality and fish and wildlife habitat. Many of these areas are also some of the most vulnerable for development. Specifically, Measure 26-80 will:

• Protect and restore the Willamette River by protecting land along the river from Wilsonville to the Multnomah Channel;
• Protect critical natural areas along the Clackamas and Tualatin Rivers;
• Protect headwater creeks and streams like Johnson Creek, Rock Creek, Fanno Creek and Gales Creek that include spawning grounds for salmon and critical habitat for wildlife; and
• Clean up polluted storm water and protect groundwater quality to improve water quality.

It's not too late to protect and restore clean water resources in our region.

BUT WE MUST ACT NOW to protect water quality before growth and development overwhelm our fragile network of rivers, lakes and streams.

Join us in Voting YES on Measure 26-80
to protect clean water!

Oregon Clean Water Action Project
WaterWatch of Oregon
Willamette Riverkeeper
Friends of Smith and Bybee Lakes
Johnson Creek Watershed Council
Friends of Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Clackamas River Basin Council
Columbia Slough Watershed Council
Tryon Creek Watershed Council
Rock Creek Watershed Partners
Tualatin Riverkeepers
Fans of Fanno Creek
Friends of Vermont Creek
Cedar Mill Creek Watershed Watch
Friends of Arnold Creek
Three Rivers Land Conservancy
The Wetlands Conservancy
Fernhill Wetlands Council
Oregon Council Trout Unlimited
Norman Penner, President, Friends of Tualatin River
National Wildlife Refuge

(This information furnished by Matthew Reed, Yes on 26-80 for Natural Areas, Parks and Streams)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

Auditors Urge Your YES Vote on Measure 26-80

Measure 26-80 Requires
Tough Accountability Provisions
to Protect Taxpayers

As retired auditors, our job was to ensure that public money was spent responsibly and accountably. We understand how important it is to citizens and taxpayers that their money is spent wisely and as promised…

That's why we enthusiastically support the strong accountability measures contained within Measure 26-80.

Measure 26-80 requires:

• Annual independent audits that will be published in local newspapers.
• Citizen oversight through an advisory committee that will review projects funded with taxpayer dollars.
• That the money generated by the bond measure will be spent according to a specific, detailed plan to preserve clean water and natural areas. In addition to the plan outlined in the ballot measure's Explanatory Statement, voters can see the areas targeted for protection at www.savenaturalareas.org.

Measure 26-80 ensures our tax dollars will be spent as promised – to help protect and preserve natural areas, clean water and our unique quality of life.

It deserves your support.

Jewel Lansing, former Multnomah County and Portland City Auditor

Anne Kelly Feeney, former Multnomah County Auditor

(This information furnished by Jewel Lansing)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

Scientists Urge A YES Vote on Measure 26-80
for Natural Areas, Parks and Streams

Measure 26-80 will make it possible to protect and restore regionally and locally significant fish and wildlife habitat. These habitats include stream and river corridors, wetlands, and at-risk areas identified by ecologists and biologists as the highest priority for protection and restoration in the region.

Measure 26-80 will protect plant and animal species that live in our streams, forests, and wetlands in both the urban and rural landscape. The bond measure will help ensure that threatened and sensitive species like salmon, steelhead trout, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, purple martins, and western bluebirds, continue to co-exist with humans. Plant communities, like oak woodlands and wetlands that harbor both rare and common species of birds, mammals, and insects, will be protected and restored as well.

Measure 26-80 will improve water quality in our streams, rivers and wetlands by helping control stormwater runoff, which degrades our streams, rivers and wetlands.

Measure 26-80 will protect air quality by preserving, and in some neighborhoods increasing, the region's urban forest canopy, which will reduce the “urban heat island effect” and cut down on ozone and other pollutants that are detrimental to the health of humans and ecosystems.

Please vote YES on Measure 26-80.

Heejun Chang, PhD, Hydrologist

Geoffrey Duh, PhD

Andrew G. Fountain, PhD, Geomorphologist

Scott Hoffman Black, Ecologist and Entomologist

Steve Johnson, PhD, Urban and Social Ecologist

Tony Laska, PhD, Fish Biologist

Noelwah R. Netusil, PhD, Professor of Economics

Joe Poracsky, PhD, Geographer

John Rueter, PhD, Environmental Scientist

Ethan Seltzer, PhD, Urban Planner

Bob Van Dyk, PhD, Professor, Forest Grove

Alan Yeakley, PhD, Environmental Scientist

(This information furnished by Matthew Reed,
Yes on 26-80, for Natural Areas Parks and Streams)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
OF THE COLUMBIA RIVER REGION
SUPPORTS MEASURE 26-80 

Protect Water Quality, Natural Areas,
Fish and Wildlife Habitat

The League of Women Voters of the Columbia River Region urges you to Vote Yes on 26-80 to protect our area's unique quality of life and preserve our legacy of clean water and pristine natural areas as we grow.

Plan for growth
With more than one million new people expected in the next 25 years, the Portland metropolitan area faces increasing pressure on its rivers, streams and wildlife habitat. We must act now to protect the things that make this a great place to live.

Protect Clean Water
Our families' health and our region's future depend on clean water. Measure 26-80 will help protect and improve our rivers and streams—many of which supply our drinking water. Measure 26-80 will protect land along the Willamette, Clackamas and Tualatin Rivers and the major creeks and streams that feed them.

Preserve Natural Areas and Parks
Measure 26-80 includes more than 140 natural areas and park projects, like expanding Forest Park; improving trail connections from Wilsonville to Forest Park and Tigard to Damascus; protecting mountain tops from Gresham's buttes to Chehalem Ridge; and investing in our neighborhood parks.

Tough Accountability
And Measure 26-80 ensures that our tax dollars will be spent as promised:

• Funds can only be spent according to a specific, binding plan;
• Annual audits will published in the newspaper; and
• A citizen oversight committee will guide the program.

Protect Our Legacy for Less than $3 a Month!
Measure 26-80 will cost the average property owner $2.50 to $2.92 a month. That's a small price to pay for our communities, our children and our future.

The League of Women Voters
of the Columbia River Region
Urges You to VOTE YES on Measure 26-80

(This information furnished by Joyce Lekas,
League of Women Voters of the Columbia River Region)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

PROTECT RIVERS, STREAMS, NATURAL AREAS,
FISH & WILDLIFE HABITAT 

Audubon Society of Portland, The Trust for Public Land, Oregon Environmental Council, Friends of Trees,
And The Sierra Club support Measure 26-80

Measure 26-80 is our opportunity to preserve our region's quality of life and natural beauty as we grow, and to ensure that our children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy the same quality of life we do.

A Plan to Manage Growth

Our area is one of the fastest growing parts of the state and will add one million people in the next 25 years. Measure 26-80 helps plan for the growth and reduce its impact by protecting land that might otherwise be threatened by development.

Now is the time to pass this measure – if we don't act, more critically important natural areas and fish and wildlife habitat will be lost forever as our region continues to grow.

The lands targeted for protection by Measure 26-80 were carefully selected based on scientific and biological criteria, to ensure the most ecologically valuable lands for fish and wildlife habitat and watersheds are protected.

Preserving Clean Water

Maintaining and improving water quality in the region's rivers and streams is essential to our quality of life and a central component of the bond measure.

Measure 26-80 specifically protects land around major rivers like the Willamette, Clackamas and Tualatin , as well as smaller streams and creeks, including Johnson, Fanno, and Tryon Creeks. The measure also provides funds to restore watersheds, clean up polluted storm water and protect groundwater supplies.

We urge you to support Measure 26-80.

For clean water today and a legacy we can be proud of.

We hope you join us in VOTING YES ON 26-80.

(This information furnished by Meryl Redisch,
Audubon Society of Portland)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

MEASURE 26-80 PROVIDES
DIRECT BENEFITS TO CITIES
IN WASHINGTON, MULTNOMAH AND
CLACKAMAS COUNTIES 

Local mayors unite in support of
Natural Areas, Parks and Streams.

By passing measure 26-80, voters will safeguard the quality of our water while managing the impacts of growth and maintaining our area's quality of life for future generations.

As Mayors, we've seen firsthand how our communities have grown and changed in the last decade. And we know there's more to come. In the next 25 years, another one million people will be living in the area. Measure 26-80 helps us protect the quality of life in our communities.

Measure 26-80 directs Metro to protect natural areas and lands near rivers and streams throughout the metropolitan area by providing money to local communities. Local cities, counties and park providers in the Metro area will be able to:

• Preserve specified natural areas, wildlife, and trail corridors;
• Protect and restore watersheds for improved water quality; and
• Preserve fish and wildlife habitat.

As important as the local and regional benefits are, we support Measure 26-80 because it also includes strong accountability standards to ensure the money is spent as promised, including a citizen oversight committee and requiring a yearly independent financial audits to be published in local newspapers.

Please join us in voting YES for our communities, and YES on Measure 26-80.

Beaverton Mayor Rob Drake

Fairview Mayor Mike Weatherby

Forest Grove Mayor Richard G. Kidd

Gresham Mayor Charles J. Becker

Happy Valley Mayor Eugene Grant

Hillsboro Mayor Tom Hughes

Lake Owego Mayor Judie Hammerstad

Chuck Faes, Mayor, The City of King City

Milwaukie Mayor Jim Bernard

Oregon City Mayor Alice Norris

Portland Mayor Tom Potter

Tigard Mayor Craig Dirksen

Troutdale Mayor Paul Thalhofer

Wilsonville Mayor Charlotte Lehan

Wood Village Mayor David Fuller

(This information furnished by Matthew Reed,
Yes on 26-80, for Natural Areas, Parks and Streams)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

Local Small Businesses Support Measure 26-80

As local small business owners and business associations in Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington Counties, we urge you to join us in voting YES on Measure 26-80.

We know that protecting our clean water, natural areas and fish and wildlife habitat is essential to maintaining a healthy local economy and attracting and retaining a quality workforce. We believe Measure 26-80 is balanced and reasonable at less than $3.00 a month for an average homeowner.

Measure 26-80 also includes tough accountability provisions to ensure the money is spent as promised, including annual audits and citizen oversight. To see the detailed plan, go to www.savenaturalareas.org.

Please join us in VOTING YES on Measure 26-80.

North Clackamas County Chamber of Commerce

Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce

Columbia Corridor Association

Advanced M&D Sales, Inc.

Ash Creek Forest Management, LLC, Tigard

Backyard Bird Shop, Gresham, Wood Village, Clackamas, Lake Oswego and Beaverton

Bernard's Garage, Milwaukie

Bike Gallery, Portland, Beaverton and Lake Oswego

C&E Systems, SW Portland

CenterCal Properties, Gresham

Chavez Lumber, Sherwood

Clear Creek Distillery

DCC Consulting, Inc.

Denham Construction, Inc., Tigard

Domestic Arts, NE Portland

First American Title, SW Portland

Five Star Signs, Inc.

Forest Capital Partners, LLC, SW Portland

Fregonese Calthorpe Associates, SW Portland

The Gardensmith, Milwaukie

GeoPacific Engineering, Inc.

Hamilton Realty

Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland

Thomas T. Joseph, President, Personalized Dry Cleaning, Lake Oswego, Clackamas, Portland

Landels Construction, Inc.

Landscape Oregon, Inc.

Jeffrey M. Lang, Gales Creek Insurance Services, Portland

Lean Path, Inc., SW Portland

Logotek, Inc., West Linn

Miles Fiberglass, Oregon City

Don Morissette Homes, Lake Oswego

Northern Lights Marketing, SW Portland

Pacific Lumber Company, Lake Oswego

Ron Paul Consulting, NW Portland

Renaissance Homes, Lake Oswego

Lyndon Ruhnke, PC

South Waterfront Discovery Center

Steward Construction Corp.

Tandem Design, Inc., NW Portland

Tilbury, Ferguson & Neuburg, Inc., NW Portland

Wells Development Company, LLC, Lake Oswego

Williams & Dame Development, Inc.

(partial list)

(This information furnished by Matthew Reed,
Yes on 26-80, for Natural Areas, Parks and Streams)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

PARENTS, TEACHERS
AND CHILDREN'S ADVOCATES
SAY VOTE YES ON MEASURE 26-80

As parents, teachers and advocates for children, we know that learning happens both in and outside the classroom. That's why we enthusiastically support Measure 26-80.

Our region's parks and natural areas are also outdoor classrooms for our kids, providing unique environmental education opportunities in natural settings close to home. Measure 26-80 will increase environmental education opportunities across the region.

Preserving clean water, abundant wildlife, and access to parks and natural areas will ensure our children and grandchildren will enjoy the same quality of life we do today.

And at less than $3 a month, Measure 26-80 is a small price to pay for a big investment in our kids' future.

VOTE YES!

Stand for Children-Portland Chapter

Jonah Edelman, Executive Director, Stand for Children

Karen Akers, School Secretary, N. Portland

Joshua Alpert, Parent, Portland

Margaret Armstrong, Teacher, Beaverton

Laura Baxter, Parent, Portland

Tom Beck, Retired Professor, Forest Grove

Eric Brattain, Teacher, Forest Grove

Ben Cannon, Teacher, Tualatin

Cheyne Cumming, Teacher, NW Portland

Meghan DeNiro, Teacher, NE Portland

Kristine Dillon, Parent, Sherwood

Elena Frank, Parent, Garden Home

Jackie Furrer, Teacher, Tualatin

Paul Grosjean, Parent, Pleasant Valley

Gary Hancock, 5th Grade Teacher

Jane Harold, Teacher, Lake Oswego

Jim Hartmann, West Linn Teacher

Michael Horrigan, Teacher, Beaverton

Faun Hosey, Parent, Hillsboro

Nancy Johnson, Teacher, SE Portland

Ben Keller, Teacher, SE Portland

Tim Kniser, Teacher, NE Portland

Sam Koss, Teacher, Beaverton

Sara and George Kral, Parents, Tigard

Bernard Lahart, Speech Pathologist, NE Portland

Shirley Lewton, Teacher, NE Portland

Sue Manning, Teacher, Tigard

Dan and Jeanne Marston, Parents, Hillsboro

Ginny Peckinpaugh, Parent, SE Portland

Geoff Roach, Parent, Portland

Sherri Rood, Parent, NE Portland

Doug Sammons, Teacher, SE Portland

Charles F. Sams III, Parent, Portland

Esther Shepsman, Tualatin Teacher

Elaine Stewart, Parent, Cedar Mill

Angela Van Patten, Parent, SE Portland

Lori Waldo, Parent, Bethany

Julie Ward, Teacher

Susan Webb, Teacher, NE Portland

(This information furnished by Matthew Reed,
Yes on 26-80, for Natural Areas, Parks and Streams)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

PROTECT THE WILLAMETTE, TUALATIN AND
CLACKAMAS RIVERS

Vote Yes on Measure 26-80

Our rivers and streams are suffering the effects of growth and development. Hundreds of miles of the Willamette, Clackamas and Tualatin Rivers and their streams are in need of protection and restoration, according to scientists.

Measure 26-80 will help restore the Willamette, Tualatin and the Clackamas Rivers and the many streams and creeks that feed into them. By protecting critical land along rivers, lakes and streams across the region, Measure 26-80 will help maintain and improve water quality as we grow.

Protecting land along rivers and streams is critically important to reduce polluted storm water run-off, to preserve habitat for fish and wildlife, and to protect groundwater and other sources of our drinking water. Measure 26-80 is a smart investment in a clean water future.

Our quality of life depends on maintaining healthy rivers and streams close to home. Measure 26-80's protection and restoration projects were carefully chosen to invest in the most important and most threatened lands today, before they are harmed by development.

The longer we wait, the more natural areas, rivers and stream banks we will lose to development and the more expensive it will be to protect water and wildlife in the region.

Vote Yes on Measure 26-80 for Clean Rivers and Streams!

Willamette Riverkeeper

Johnson Creek Watershed Council

Tualatin Riverkeepers

Clackamas River Basin Council

Columbia Slough Watershed Council

Tryon Creek Watershed Council

Three Rivers Land Conservancy

Rock Creek Watershed Partners

Cedar Mill Creek Watershed Watch

WaterWatch of Oregon

Fans of Fanno Creek

Friends of Arnold Creek

Friends of Vermont Creek

Oregon Council Trout Unlimited

Friends of Smith and Bybee Lakes

Friends of Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

The Wetlands Conservancy

Fernhill Wetlands Council

Norman Penner, President, Friends of Tualatin River

National Wildlife Refuge

Oregon Clean Water Action Project

(This information furnished by Matthew Reed,
Yes on 26-80, for Natural Areas, Parks and Streams)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

East County Citizens urge you to Vote Yes on Measure 26-80 for Natural Areas, Parks, and Streams!

Funds from the passage of Measure 26-80 would go directly to purchase and protect the highest value natural areas, parkland and trails throughout the region and East County. Measure 26-80 would only buy land from willing sellers and has stringent accountability measures to ensure our tax dollars go to benefit clean water and wildlife.

We need to buy and protect critical natural areas for clean water, wildlife, and public access now to ensure future generations enjoy a high quality of life. Since East County is rapidly growing, we have more at stake in the passage of this measure. East County would directly benefit from numerous natural area and park-related acquisitions if voters pass Measure 26-80, including:

• Gresham to Fairview Trail acquisition and construction.
• Natural area acquisition in the Gresham Buttes and Sandy River Gorge.
• New public facilities and trails at Hogan Butte Nature Park.
• Habitat and water quality protection and improvement along Johnson Creek and Columbia Slough.
• Salish Ponds Park trails, plantings and interpretive signage.
• Beaver Creek Greenway.
• Extension of Springwater Corridor Trail to Barton Park.
• Natural Area acquisition in Wood Village.

The following East County individuals and organizations urge you to Vote Yes on 26-80 for natural areas, park and streams!

East Multnomah County League of Women Voters

Gresham City Council

Gresham Coalition of Neighborhood Associations

Stephanie Nystrom, Nystrom Engineering

Jeff Uebel, Chair, Johnson Creek Watershed Council

James B. Davis, Troutdale resident

Paul & Lee Dayfield

William Dodds

Ernie Drapela

Merlene Drapela

Susan A. Foster, Ph.D. Biologist

Kathryn Henton

Michael Henton

Jason C. Howard

Sam & Jim Murray

John Vandermosten

Shirley Z. Vandermosten

(This information furnished by Lee Dayfield)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
Recommends a YES VOTE
For Measure 26-80

The Natural Areas, Parks and Streams measure is a unique opportunity to safeguard our region's quality of life for our children and grandchildren.

Clean Water

Clean drinking water depends on healthy streams, lakes and rivers. Measure 26-80 directs Metro's Regional Government to follow a specific, binding plan to purchase and protect natural areas especially around rivers and streams.

This measure will improve water quality in the Willamette, Clackamas, Sandy and Tualatin rivers, and in streams and creeks including Johnson, Fanno, Rock, Tryon and many others.

Fish and Wildlife Habitats

Oregonians love seeing healthy fish in our streams and watching wildlife in our parks and natural areas. We know wildlife can thrive even around cities – but it takes planning and investing for the future.

Scientists from The Nature Conservancy and others have identified the highest priority natural areas to protect for clean water and wildlife across the Metro region.

Now is the time to pass Measure 26-80 – because the longer we wait, the more expensive it will be to protect the critical lands and waters our fish and wildlife need to survive

We're Growing

This is an incredibly special place to live, work, play and raise a family. But it's no secret. Over the next 25 years, 1 million new residents will make their homes in Multnomah, Clackamas or Washington Counties.

That many people will have a huge impact. But if we take responsibility for our future, plan ahead for growth and invest in our natural areas, rivers and streams, we can save what we love about Oregon.

Cost

For less than $3 dollars per month for an average household, Measure 26-80 will produce tangible, local benefits – protecting water quality, natural areas, and healthy habitats for fish and wildlife – right in our own communities. That's a tremendous gift to ourselves and to future generations.

VOTE YES ON 26-80

(This information furnished by Russell Hoeflich,
The Nature Conservancy)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

Support Our PARKS and TRAILS
Support Measure 26-80

Our region's parks and recreation system has a scope, ambition and vitality most cities can only dream of. The green spaces, gardens, forests, swimming pools and playing fields are truly our community's backyard. Neighborhoods affectionately borrow their names, and identities, from the parks they adjoin. Kids of all ages enjoy and depend on our parks, for ball games and learning to swim, family picnics and peaceful nature walks.

By all yardsticks, the region's network of parks works. We use them. Cherish them. They teach us. Bring us together. Draw new business and national acclaim through the quality of life they provide.

But our parks have always depended on visionaries. Even at the outset, when Portland itself was largely wilderness, there were those setting aside green spaces to enjoy in perpetuity.

As the region grows, it is vital that are parks and trails keep pace. With more than 140 local projects across the region, Measure 26-80 is a wise investment – permanently protecting natural areas and parkland for our enjoyment for generations to come.

Pass on our legacy of parks and recreation to our kids and grandkids by voting YES on Measure 26-80!

Portland Parks Foundation

Friends of North Clackamas Park

Friends of Powell Butte Nature Park

Rock Creek Watershed Partners

Friends of Forest Park

Tualatin Riverkeepers

Friends of Tryon Creek State Park

Fans of Fanno Creek

Jeff Tryens, Portland Parks Board member

(partial list)

(This information furnished by Linda G. Laviolette,
Portland Parks Foundation)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

MEASURE 26-80 PRESERVES FISH
AND WILDLIFE HABITAT

Scientists agree that clean water and open space are critical to preserving fish and wildlife health and habitat. Today, in the Portland metropolitan area, that habitat is being threatened by growth and development.

Measure 26-80 protects lands that were carefully selected based on scientific and biological criteria, to ensure the most ecologically valuable lands for fish and wildlife habitat and watersheds are protected.

Measure 26-80 protects lands along the Willamette River from Wilsonville to the Multnomah Channel. It protects the Clackamas and Tualatin Rivers and the major creeks and streams that feed them—including key spawning grounds for salmon and other fish.

Measure 26-80 also protects important wildlife corridors, connecting Forest Park to Rock Creek, undeveloped bluffs along the Clackamas and forested buttes from Gresham to Damascus.

Protect our region's fish and wildlife habitat for salmon, elk and bald eagles.

Join us in voting YES for Measure 26-80!

Norman Penner, President, Friends of Tualatin River

National Wildlife Refuge

The Wetlands Conservancy

Oregon Council Trout Unlimited

Friends of Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

Fernhill Wetlands Council

Three Rivers Land Conservancy

Friends of Smith and Bybee Lakes

Clackamas River Basin Council

Columbia Slough Watershed Council

Cedar Mill Creek Watershed Watch

WaterWatch of Oregon

Tryon Creek Watershed Council

Tualatin Riverkeepers

Friends of Vermont Creek

Johnson Creek Watershed Council

Rock Creek Watershed Partners

Friends of Arnold Creek

Oregon Clean Water Action Project

Fans of Fanno Creek

(This information furnished by Matthew Reed,
Yes on 26-80, for Natural Areas, Parks and Streams)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

A LEGACY FOR OUR GRANDCHILDREN

As grandparents, we often worry about the kind of Oregon that our grandchildren will inherit. Measure 26-80 will allow our grandkids to grow up in the kind of Oregon that we grew up in – a beautiful and healthy community.

Every day we see more and more people moving in to the neighborhood, and we try to be good neighbors. But we can't help but think that with all of these new people, we are not going to have any more places for our grandchildren to explore and play in.

Measure 26-80 solves that problem by preserving land not just for our grandchildren, but for ALL of our grandchildren. Not only that, but Measure 26-80 will create new parks and trails, allowing families to spend more time together hiking, biking, and enjoying the things that have made Oregon special to us. And Measure 26-80 will result in a healthier environment for us, our families, and future generations by protecting and improving our rivers and streams.

What's more, Measure 26-80 costs less than $3 a month, which for us is very important. As the cost of nearly everything keeps going up, we are faced with tough choices. But because Measure 26-80 costs so little, we don't have to choose between being responsible grandparents and cutting back on other necessities.

And because the funds raised from Measure 26-80 can only be spent on a specific plan, with a citizen oversight committee and an independent audit to make sure that the money is being used correctly, we don't have to worry that politicians will squander our hard-earned dollars.

Please join us in voting YES on Measure 26-80. Let's give our kids and grandkids the Oregon that we got to grow up in; an Oregon that we can ALL be proud of.

(This information furnished by Matthew Reed,
Yes on 26-80, for Natural Areas, Parks and Streams)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

Audubon Society of Portland Urges you to Vote Yes on Measure 26-80!

We live in a special region, uniquely endowed with a rich diversity of native fish and wildlife that still inhabit and migrate through our urban environment. We currently enjoy access to nature matched by few cities around the world. These values support a tradition of stewardship that believes in creating communities where people and wildlife can flourish together. That means protecting a space of nature in our neighborhoods to sustain viable populations of native fish and wildlife as our region continues to grow.

Despite past successes in protecting natural areas, habitat loss from development in our region still outpaces protection. Over the last decade the region lost over 16,000 acres of habitat, an area larger than the City of Gresham. By the year 2030 over 1 million new people will live in the Portland-Metro region, adding pressure to develop environmentally sensitive lands.

Measure 26-80 represents the most important opportunity in a decade to protect our highest-value fish and wildlife habitats and safeguard the clean water that sustains fish, wildlife and people throughout the entire region. It will also ensure that more of our children live in neighborhoods with access to parks and natural areas. At Audubon Society of Portland, we see first hand how access to nature enhances children's concentration, sense of place, and self-worth. Having nature nearby is among the basic necessities for kids to effectively learn, grow, and thrive in an equal opportunity society.

Past generations demonstrated tremendous foresight in purchasing and protecting many of the outstanding public parks and natural areas we enjoy and benefit from today.

Lets leave a similar legacy for future generations by protecting the region's highest value natural areas!

The staff, board, and members of Audubon Society of Portland Urge You to Vote Yes on Measure 26-80!

Meryl Redisch, Executive Director

Bob Sallinger, Urban Conservation Director

Mike Houck, Urban Naturalist

(This information furnished by Meryl Redisch)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

FOR BETTER HEALTH…SUPPORT MEASURE 26-80.

“Physical inactivity and poor diet are responsible for an estimated 400,000 deaths annually from coronary heart disease, colon cancer, stroke, and diabetes.

“Parks, trails and greenways not only provide a low-cost and fun way for people of all ages to increase their physical activity levels but also can provide other health and environment benefits to communities.”

- Active Living By Design Primer Fact Sheet

Measure 26-80 promotes active living and improves access to neighborhood parks, natural areas, rivers and streams close to home. By improving and completing trails throughout the region—from the Westside Trail in Washington County to the Willamette River Greenway and Springwater Corridor along Johnson Creek—Measure 26-80 creates new opportunities for exercise, better design for our communities and healthier living.

And by protecting natural areas and land along rivers and streams, Measure 26-80 will help secure for future generations the clean air and water essential for good health.

Please vote YES for Measure 26-80.

American Heart Association

Oregon Nurses Association

Active Living by Design

Upstream Public Health

Dick Stenson, President and CEO, Tuality Healthcare

Kristine Dillon, P.N.P

Diane Drum, RN

Kipenda Hervey, Registered Nurse, N. Portland

Lyn Jacobs, Physician, Hillsboro

Jeanne Marston, Retired Nurse, Hillsboro

Maye Thompson, RN, PhD

Marie Valleroy, MD

(This information furnished by Martin Taylor,
Oregon Nurses Association)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

NATURAL AREAS, PARKS AND STREAMS ADD VALUE TO OUR HOMES, BUSINESSES, AND COMMUNITIES

Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland Supports Measure 26-80

As homebuilders from across the Portland metropolitan area, we are committed to preserving and enhancing the region's quality of life. Measure 26-80 helps create stronger communities and helps protect the environment as we grow. That's why we urge you to join us in supporting this measure.

For a great quality of life, we need thriving businesses, a vibrant community, and a healthy environment.

Measure 26-80 is good for our economy.

Our region's natural beauty provides an economic advantage over other communities. Our economic growth has been defined not just by what we have developed, but also by what we have chosen not to develop. Measure 26-80 will helps the region keep its economic edge by protecting the rivers and streams, natural areas and parklands that add value to our homes and business.

Measure 26-80 will make our communities even better places to live and work.

Measure 26-80 will add to our quality of life by improving access to parks and preserving natural areas to enjoy near our neighborhoods. It will create new places for our children to play, to explore, and to learn.

At less than $3 per month for the average homeowner, we can all have a part in preserving and enhancing our quality of life.

Join Us in Voting YES on Measure 26-80!

(This information furnished by James E. McCauley,
Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

OREGON FAMILY FARMERS AND NURSERY OWNERS SUPPORT MEASURE 26-80

As family farmers and nursery owners from Washington, Clackamas and Multnomah Counties, we respectfully ask our fellow Oregonians to vote YES ON MEASURE 26-80 to protect the region's farm and forestlands.

Measure 26-80 will preserve clean water needed for farms, and provide buffer areas to protect working farms from being harmed by continued development.

This area has some of the best soils and most productive farmland in the country. Washington and Clackamas Counties are two of the top five agricultural counties in Oregon. But growth and development pressures make farming near urban areas much more difficult.

Measure 26-80 helps protect the economic, environmental, cultural and scenic values of our family farms as the region grows.

Please join local family farms and nurseries in supporting Measure 26-80.

Oregon Agricultural Alliance

Don Kruger, Kruger Farms

Peter McDonald, Inchinnan Farm, Wilsonville

Sara Kral, Scholls Valley Native Nursery

Shari Raider, Sauvie Island Organic Farm

Morning Star Farm, Forest Grove

La Finquita del Buho, Farm, Hillsboro

Marcus Simantel

Friends of Zenger Farm

(This information furnished by Matthew Reed,
Yes on 26-80 for Natural Areas, Parks and Streams)

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

MEASURE 26-80: A SPECIFIC PLAN
WITH REAL BENEFITS
HERE IN MULTNOMAH COUNTY

When Measure 26-80 passes, Multnomah County residents will benefit from the following projects. For more details of each project, visit www.savenaturalareas.org.

Water Quality Improvement and Wetlands Projects

-Johnson Creek and Watershed, Portland/Gresham

-Columbia Slough, Portland

-Willamette River Greenway, Portland

-Westside Stream and Wildlife Corridors, SW Portland

-Sandy River Gorge, Troutdale

Protection of Wildlife Habitat and Forestland

-Natural Area near Blue Lake, Fairview

-Butler Creek Park, Gresham

-Hogan Butte Nature Park, Gresham

-Kane Road Park, Gresham

-Pleasant Valley Area, Gresham

-Springwater Area, Gresham

-Forest Park, Portland

-Willamette River Greenway, Portland

-Willamette Bluffs, Portland

-Mt. Hood Community College Natural Area, Troutdale

-Donald L. Robertson City Park, Wood Village

Neighborhood Parks and Natural Areas Improvements

-Salish Ponds Nature Park, Fairview

-Main City Park, Gresham

-East Gresham Park, Gresham

-Cully Neighborhood, Portland

-Argay Neighborhood, Portland

-Centennial Neighborhood, Portland

Hiking and Biking Trail Improvements

-Gresham-Fairview Trail, Fairview/Gresham

-Main City Park, Gresham

-Forest Park, Portland

-Springwater Corridor, Portland

-Marine Drive and Columbia Slough, Portland

-Sandy River Trail, Troutdale

-Beaver Creek Greenway Trail, Troutdale

And all this for less than $3.00 per month.
Vote “YES” on Measure 26-80.

(This information furnished by Matthew Reed,
Yes on 26-80 for Natural Areas, Parks and Streams)

ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION

Is Metro in the farming business?

Why is Metro proposing to use your tax dollars to buy up farm land outside of the Metro boundaries and far from where you live?

Is it to prevent development of natural areas?

NO!! Many of the proposed areas for purchase are zoned farm or forest land and there are no plans to expand the Urban Growth Boundary in that direction.

Is it to protect water quality or wildlife?

NO!! Stewardship of these lands are already addressed by landowners and your local government under current zoning, which protects water quality and wildlife.

Is it to gain control of land which is outside of Metro's jurisdiction and influence the actions of those who have no vote at Metro?

Yes!! Local residents around many of the proposed purchase areas, have no vote at Metro nor do they get to vote on the Greenspace Bond measure. Yet, they will feel the impact of Metro as a neighbor if this measure passes. They will have no representative at Metro when greenspace land management impacts local agricultural enterprises.

Metro has bought off local governments by offering a percentage of the funds to them for their own greenspace purchases. In reality, much of your money will be spent in another jurisdiction other than Metro. Yet, you pay the taxes!

Please tell Metro to keep the greenspace program within its own boundaries.

Vote NO on greenspace bond measure 26-80

(This information furnished by Andy Duyck)